Multipurpose columns and trays for beverages and food

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to columns, trays and systems including columns and trays that enable a user to conveniently and safely transport objects, such as one or more beverage containers, by tension (hanging) as opposed to compression (supporting). Column embodiments of the invention include a substantially elongate column extending from a central portion of a primary tray. Preferably, insertable column embodiments are formed from a pulp slurry and molded into a clam-shell configuration prior to assembly and used with a tray having an aperture and preferably a collar adapted to receive the insertable column. Supporting elements of the column engage a base portion of the tray, thereby providing a distributed support interface. Features of the invention include upper retaining elements to prevent dislodgment of the column from the tray when engaged therewith; a handle at an end opposite to the supporting elements for user grasping; and mid column accessory features such as supports for a secondary tray or tall beverage containers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

It is well known in the prior art to use molded trays constructed frompulp to carry items such as beverage cups and food items from one placeto another. Particularly popular is a molded pulp beverage containertray having four symmetrically displaced recesses for carrying 1-4beverage cups. Such a conventional beverage tray, which is shown in FIG.1, permits a person to conveniently carry a plurality of beverages fromone location to another. However, this solution usually requires aperson to use both hands to carry the beverage-containing tray. If onlyone hand is used, the beverage tray usually becomes unstable and resultsin the loss of items being carried.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to columns, trays and systems comprisingcolumns and trays, as well as to bails for engaging conventional trays,that enable a person to conveniently and safely transport objects, suchas one or more beverage containers, by tension (hanging) as opposed tocompression (supporting). Unlike known embodiments in the prior art, theinvention provides a means for establishing the center of gravity forthe tray below a user's hand(s), thereby dramatically increasing itsstability and portability. The means comprises an auxiliary structurehaving a hand gripping portion for facilitating handling by a user and atray engaging portion for supporting a tray, either apertured orconventional.

As will be further disclosed herein, the invention comprises on the onehand an auxiliary structure that engages with a primary tray to permitone-handed transportation of items contained in the primary tray, and onthe other hand a primary tray having a generally centrally locatedaperture for receiving an auxiliary structure. The components of theinvention may be constructed from a planar or non-planar material suchas plastic, corrugated cardboard, chip board or other cellulose-basedmaterial, or acetate sheet; alternatively, it may be cast or molded froma slurry. particularly including cellulose pulp. As used herein, theformer are referred to as “constructed” columns while the later arereferred to as “molded” columns. While each material has its benefits,greatest economies can be realized through the use of molded pulps.

In a first series of embodiments, the auxiliary structure comprises anelongate column adapted to extend from a central portion of a primarytray, which is adapted to receive the column. In a second series ofembodiments, the invention comprises a bail-type member that engages atleast two sides of an unmodified primary tray. In a third series ofembodiments, the tray defines an aperture to receive a column.

The first series of embodiments, as noted above, comprise a columnextending from a central portion of a primary tray. The column may beformed integral with the tray, or may be permanently or non-permanentlyattached to the tray. In an integrated embodiment, the primary tray andthe column are co-formed to create a unitary structure, and arepreferably constructed by a molding process. In embodiments wherein thecolumn is permanently attached to the primary tray, adhesives arepreferably used to modify a removable column to ensure the structuralintegrity of the overall assembly; modification of a conventional trayis not necessary although it may be desirable. For “attached”embodiments, a suitable tray will have at least an aperture formedtherein for receiving the desired column, the aperture preferably havingor caused to have a cross section shape or geometry that closely matchesthat of the column cross section at the interface between the twocomponents, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The column mayhave a closed curve cross section, e.g., circular or elliptical, or maybe an n-sided polygon in cross section, e.g., triangular, square,pentagonal, etc.

In the “attachable” embodiments, an appropriately formed aperture iseither designed into the primary tray (created at the time of trayformation) or results from post formation modification. The postformation aperture may be established by removing a central portion ofthe tray, e.g., an outline perforation may be created in the traywhereby removal thereof can be accomplished “punching” the centralportion or by perforating a pattern such as an “X”, which will create anapproximate square aperture. It should be noted that with respect to atleast the collapsible column embodiment described herein, the waste fromthe removal process can be used to maintain an expanded state afterengagement of the column with the tray.

In a removable embodiment, the cross section of the column is selectedto substantially mate with the geometry of the aperture defined by theprimary tray, or vice versa. If the column is a regular or rightcylinder, then the external dimensions of the column should closelymatch those of primary tray aperture; if the column is tapered ingeneral or frusto-conical in particular (either closed curve or n-sidedpolygon in cross section), then that portion of the column intended tointerface with the primary tray during use should have externaldimensions and a geometry close to that of the primary tray aperture.These construction parameters result in a column that partially emergesfrom the top of the primary tray and, at least with respect to taperedcolumns without tray supporting elements, frictionally interferes withthe primary tray aperture upon substantial extension there through.

To enhance tray stability with respect to the column, a feature of theinvention provides for the inclusion of at least one aperture collarpositioned about the perimeter of the aperture. An aperture collarincreases the amount of area surface area contact between the column andthe tray, and further distributes the torque moment between these twocomponents over a greater area, thereby increasing tray stability. Theat least one collar can be established on the upper surface of the trayor on the lower surface. Preferably, a tray will have both upper andlower collars.

At least one primary tray supporting element may be provided at a lowerportion of the column to prevent over-extension of the column throughthe aperture and to distribute localized vertical column load across thetray. This at least one lower supporting element beneficially engageswith the bottom of the tray and, therefore, prevents further translationof the column through the tray and distributes vertical load across agreater area of the primary tray. Optionally, the column may furthercomprise at least one upper retaining elements that beneficially engagewith an upper surface of the tray, thereby preventing unintendeddownward translation of the column once engaged with the tray. Theincorporation of upper retaining elements further increase the stabilityof tray relative to the column by arresting undesired torquing of thetray, such as would be encountered during transportation of asymmetricalloads.

Another variation of the tapered column embodiment relies upon a similarfriction interference between the column and the primary beverage tray.However, while other embodiments rely upon supporting elements toprevent torquing of the primary tray relative to the support column, aplurality of laterally oriented slots are selectively formed in thecolumn. In this embodiment, a non-circular cross section column is used(preferably one that has corners which have a maximum diameter greaterthan that of the minimum diameter of the tray aperture). By selectivelyforming laterally oriented slots at the column corners, the slots willengage with the peripheral portions of the tray aperture when the columnis inserted into the aperture, the slots are brought coplanar with theperipheral portions of the aperture, and the column is rotated relativeto the primary tray, thereby providing suitable support means withoutthe use of discrete supporting elements.

In the embodiments heretofore described, the column was preferablyrigid. However, if a lateral slot arrangement is to be used, amodification is to provide a collapsible lower portion in the column. Inthis embodiment, rotation of the column to engage the peripheralportions of the tray aperture is not needed. Instead, the collapsedportion of the column is inserted into the aperture where after thecolumn is fixedly expanded. In a disclosed embodiment, the expansion isaccomplished by introducing a stiffening member into the area defined bythe column. The stiffening member is preferably a wall portion of thecolumn that is pivoted inwardly in the direction of column collapse,until it contacts the opposing wall portion, thereby causing the same toproject outwardly. This outward projection in turn flexes the opposingwall portions, thereby causing expansion of the column. At least a pairof opposing slots formed in a lower portion of column then engage theperipheral portions of the tray aperture, thereby “locking” the beveragetray in its relative position viz a viz the support column.

Both of the preceding embodiment series also preferably include agripping means for providing a location for a user to grasp or retainthe column. The gripping means may be a handle member insertable intothe column, i.e., an auxiliary structure not integral with the column,or may be a handle member integral with the column, i.e., cut from ablank during formation of the column or molded with the column. Ifinsertable, the handle member can be laterally inserted into a pair ofaligned holes, or can be inserted through a slot depending from the topof the column where after an obstructive interface prevents reversemovement. The insertable handle member can be a simple “V” shapedinsert, or a conventional handle formation, including obstructiveinterface features. The handle member can also be fixedly attached tothe column, such as by mechanical fasteners and/or adhesives.Alternatively, the handle member can employ a bail having two opposeddistal ends that are inserted or otherwise grip the column. Furthermore,the gripping means can take the form of positive and/or negative relieffeatures formed on the outer surface of the column, or can take the formof a hole through which a user may insert a finger or other object.

A feature of select embodiments regarding the columns includes the useof tapered columns. By utilizing tapered columns, a plurality of columnscan be stacked and nested into one another, thereby reducing overallspace necessary for transportation and/or storage of assembled columns,with or without attached trays. Moreover, a tapered geometric formbeneficially facilitates the insertion of the column through theaperture of the tray and permits reliance on a friction fit between thecolumn and the tray, whether or not other means for securing therelationship between the components are used.

Another derivative of the embodiments described above comprises asecondary tray. The secondary tray includes an aperture of sufficientdimensions and geometry to permit a column to penetrate there through.If secondary tray supporting elements are present on the column, thesecondary tray supporting elements can arrest undesired translationbetween the secondary tray and the primary tray, thereby creating asuitable support surface for carrying items in addition to those carriedby the primary tray. If a tapered column is used, then the dimensions ofthe second tray aperture should be such that the secondary tray does nottranslate the entire length of the column, but is frictionallyrestricted from further translation at a location generallycorresponding to the maximum dimensions of the second tray aperture.Additionally, secondary tray upper retaining elements may be providedthat beneficially engage with an upper surface of the secondary tray,thereby preventing unintended upward translation of the secondary trayrelative to the column once engaged with the secondary tray. Theincorporation of secondary tray upper retaining elements furtherincrease the stability of tray relative to the column by arrestingundesired torquing of the tray, such as would be encountered duringtransportation of asymmetrical loads.

In addition to or in lieu of a secondary tray, additional accessoriescan be linked to the column. One example described in more detail below,relies upon a hook and slot arrangement to associate a beveragecontainer with the column. The same or similar hook structure can alsobe used to link other carries or accessories to the column. Anotherexample utilizes a tether member comprising a loop portion and a carrierportion. The loop portion defines an aperture akin to that of thesecondary tray to provide a friction fit between it and the column, andfurther includes a tether portion linking the loop portion with acarrier portion. Preferably, pairs of these tether members are used toform a “saddle” configuration.

As noted above, a column can also be modified to accept beverages inaddition to those being held by the beverage tray, or replace thefunction of the beverage tray as will now be described. By forming atleast one elongate vertically aligned slot in the column and utilizing aslot engaging member having means for securing an object, additionalobjects, such as beverage cups, can be supported by the column. In oneembodiment, a generally linear strip of material having two distal endsis formed so that upon envelopment of an object and overlappingattachment of the distal ends, a hook structure for the object isformed. A preferred means for attachment of the strip uses a latex-basedcohesive such as that manufactured by Sovereign Chemical of Cincinnati,Ohio. The cohesive will only bond to itself, but create a highcoefficient of friction with the object. The hook structure has a lengthgreater than that of the at least one slot; only pivotal insertion ofthe hook structure into the slot will engage the overlapped strip ofmaterial with the column. By positioning the distal end of the hookupward, downward pivoting of the structure will not cause the structureto emerge from the slot. Thus, the hook structure extends into the atleast one slot and thereby retains any object placed therein to thecolumn. Other embodiments use a similar sliding engagement for retainingan auxiliary structure in a slot formed in the column, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

In a second series of embodiments, the auxiliary structure is a bailmember that provides support for the primary tray, which need not bemodified in order to operate with the invention. In this embodimentseries, the auxiliary structure comprises at least two peripheralsupport members that extend beyond the lateral sides of the primary trayand further extend inwardly toward the center of the tray (forming ahandle segment) to provide a suitable support means for the tray. Whilethis configuration provides suitable single axis support, it does notaddress orthogonal movement of the primary tray. Consequently, laterallyextending stabilizers arrest the second axis rotation by preventingrotation about the axis defined by the two retention members.

The invention, its various embodiments and the disclosed features willbecome more apparent upon inspection of the accompanying illustrations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional molded pulp beverage trayof the prior art having a central portion, a periphery including aperimeter edge, and a plurality of recesses for receiving beverage cups;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a primary tray defining anaperture through which a first embodiment tapered column withnon-integrated handle is inserted;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the combination shown in FIG. 2 aftercolumn insertion and engagement of the lower supporting means;

FIG. 4 is plan view of the first embodiment column shown in apre-configured state;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment taperedcolumn using the same lower supporting means as the first embodiment ofFIGS. 2-4, and further including upper retaining means and a modified,non-integrated handle;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the second embodiment column shown in apre-configured state;

FIG. 7 is a detailed cross section elevation view of the secondembodiment column engaged with a primary tray, where both the lowersupporting means and the upper retaining means are in compressivecontact with the primary tray;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first embodiment column and secondembodiment handle inserted into the primary tray, and furtherillustrating the inclusion of a secondary tray positioned at the body ofthe column;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment taperedcolumn wherein a plurality of lateral slots comprise the lowersupporting means;

FIG. 10 is a detailed plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 illustratingthe necessary rotation of the column in the aperture in order to achieveengagement with the primary tray;

FIG. 11 is perspective view of a fourth embodiment non-tapered columnwherein a pair of elongate lateral slots are formed in the lower portionof a collapsible column, which also possesses an integral handle;

FIG. 12 shows the embodiment of FIG. 11 subsequent to expansion andbracing of the lower portion and extension of the handle combined withcollapsing of the upper portion thereof;

FIG. 13 is a cross section elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 12in conjunction with a primary tray to particularly illustrate theengagement of the column with the primary tray through expansion of thelower portion of the column;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment frusto-conical (alsoconsidered tapered) column in conjunction with a primary tray not havinga pre-formed aperture but instead having a frangible aperture;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the second embodiment tapered columnhaving been modified to define a pair of longitudinally oriented slotsfor receiving beverage container rings that either stabilize a beveragelocated in the primary tray or separately support additional containersdirectly from the column;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a beverage container ring prior to formation;

FIG. 17 is a detailed cross section elevation view of a beveragecontainer ring engaging the column where a hook portion prevents theunintentional dislodgement of the ring from the column;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first embodiment bail shown inconjunction with a prior art tray;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 duringextension of a pair of stabilizing members;

FIG. 20 is a partial cross section elevation of the combination of FIG.18;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a second embodiment bail shown inconjunction with a prior art tray;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 21 duringextension of a pair of stabilizing members;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a column sleeve to transformthe visual appearance of the column;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment column and secondembodiment primary tray particularly illustrating the use of moldedlower supporting means and an upper retaining element in combinationwith a primary tray incorporating an upper collar;

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of embodiments shown in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a detailed cross section elevation of the embodiment of FIG.24 wherein the increased surface area contact between the column and thetray is shown; and

FIG. 27 is plan view of an alternative column embodiment to that of FIG.24 (shown as a clamshell for assembly) for use with primary trays nothaving a collar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

Turning then to the several Figures wherein like numerals indicate likeparts, and more particularly to FIG. 1, a conventional disposablebeverage tray of the prior art is shown. Tray 10 includes upper surface12, lower surface 14, container recesses 16 formed in upper surface 12and central portion 18. In conventional use, up to four beveragecontainers (not shown) are disposed in recesses 16 and a user carriestray 10 by supporting lower surface 12. In this method, the center ofgravity for the tray is above the point of support, thereby inherentlycreating an unstable platform.

In order to establish a center of gravity for the tray that is below thepoint of actual support, an auxiliary structure is needed. As best shownin FIGS. 2-4, the auxiliary structure comprises column 40, which is usedin conjunction with modified tray 20. Tray 20 resembles tray 10 in allmaterial respects (upper surface 22, lower surface 24, containerrecesses 26 and central portion 28) except for the presence of aperture30. As best shown in FIG. 2, aperture 30 has sides 32 a-d, which areestablished such that they approximate the geometric shape of column 40at the point of contact (see FIG. 3).

Column 40 includes upper end 42, lower end 44 and sides 46 a-e. Inaddition, and to provide suitable linkage to tray 20, supportingelements 60 are used. In this illustrated embodiment, supportingelements 60 comprise flaps 62 a-d, each of which includes supportingedge 64. Column 40 can be die cut from a suitable material such as fiberboard, corrugated or folding paperboard as is shown in FIG. 4, andassembled into a final form such as shown in FIG. 2 by folding each side46 until side 46 a is overlapped by side 46 e. Depending uponpreference, the assembled structure can be biased to retain its shapethrough the radial constriction of aperture 30 when column 40 isinserted there through, via mechanical fastening between side 46 a and46 e, or adhesive bonding between side 46 a and 46 e.

While a friction fit between column 40 and tray 20 through aperture 30may provide sufficient linkage between the column and the tray, a morerobust linkage employs lower supporting elements 60, as is best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3. In this embodiment, supporting elements 60 comprise flaps62 a-d. Each flap 62 includes supporting edge 64, which contacts lowersurface 24 of tray 20 when column 40 is fully inserted into aperture 30and flaps 62 a-d are extended as shown.

To facilitate the use of column 40, handle recesses 50 are provided.When column 40 is folded into a use configuration as shown in FIG. 2,handle recesses 50 a-c longitudinally align to form slots 52 a and 52 b.In addition, each recess 50 includes converging edges 54 a and 54 b, andretaining edges 56 a and 56 b. The configuration of recesses 50 isselected to exploit the geometry of handle 80. As shown, handle 80includes sides 82 a and 82 b, each side having corresponding supportingedges 86 a and 86 b. When handle 80 is inserted into recesses 50, eithervertically through slots 52 or laterally as shown in FIG. 2, sides 82 aand 82 b abut converging edges 54 a and 54 b, respectively. Verticalescapement of handle 80 is prevented by the interaction betweensupporting edges 86 a and 86 b with retaining edges 56 a and 56 b,respectively. This interaction is best shown in FIG. 3.

Column 140, shown in FIGS. 5-7, is similar to column 40 shown in FIGS.2-4, except that in addition to lower supporting elements 60, itincludes upper retaining elements 70, which comprise flaps 72 a-d. Eachflap 72 includes contacting edge 74, which functions to restrain upwardvertical movement of tray 20 relative to column 140, as best shown inFIG. 7. Because flaps 72 a-d must be in the non-extended position duringinsertion of column 140 into tray 20, these flaps must be extended priorto realizing their functionality. When so extended after columninsertion through the aperture, perimeter 32 is generally compressivelyheld between supporting edges 64 a-d and contacting edges 74 a-d, as isbest shown in FIG. 7.

Also shown in use with column 140 is handle 180. While the functionalityof handle 180 is similar to that of handle 80, it further comprisescentral body portion 184, which serves to link side 182 a with side 182b, and to provide finger hole 88. As with handle 80, supporting edges182 a and 182 b cooperate with retaining edges 156 a and 156 b.

FIG. 8 shows column 140 engaged with tray 20, and further illustratessecondary tray 90. Secondary tray 90 is intended to provide a means forexploiting the presence of any column by providing support for items inaddition to those that may be carried on the primary tray. While tray 90need only have aperture 92, enhanced stability can be achieved byincorporating a collar surrounding aperture 92 (the collar concept willbe explored in more detail with reference to FIGS. 24-26), lower andoptionally upper supporting elements similar in concept to supportingelements 60 and retaining elements 70 of columns 40 and 140, andequivalent stabilizing structure. By selecting an appropriately sizedaperture, vertical translation of secondary tray 90 is uni-directionallylimited, with or without the presence of supping elements as long as thecolumn has a taper. In those embodiments wherein a right prism form isselected, then some form of supporting elements on the column isnecessary. Furthermore, by modifying the shape or footprint of thesecondary tray, sufficient clearance can be retained for carrying tallbeverage containers.

Heretofore, the features associated with an improved column have focusedon supporting elements that extend from the body of the column. In FIGS.9-13, support for the tray is accomplished by slots formed in thecolumn. Turning first to FIGS. 9-10, a first embodiment employing thisform of support is shown. Lower supporting elements 260 comprise lateralslots 248 a-d, which are formed at each corner of column 240. Thelateral width of each slot will determine the degree or extent ofinteraction with tray 20. Column 240 is inserted into aperture 30 oftray 20 as conventionally shown in prior embodiments, however, supportis not achieved by friction fit or extension of flaps. Instead, and asbest illustrated in FIG. 10, column 240 is rotated within aperture 30such that each lateral slot 248 engages perimeter 32 of aperture 30(shown by arrows). Beneficially, this mode of support also provides theequivalent of upper supporting elements as will be appreciated by thosepersons skilled in the art. By providing support for tray 20 in thismanner, there is no subsequent manipulation of the column or the trayafter insertion and rotation of the column, thereby increasing theefficiency of establishing a combined column and tray.

FIGS. 11-13 depict a variant of the above-referenced alternativeembodiment. Here, column 340 is collapsible in at least one directionand elongate lateral slots 349 a and 349 b are present on the faces ofthe column subject to the direction of collapse, and extend into theadjacent faces to limit the degree of tray support. To prevent theunintentional collapse of the column after insertion and expansion, flap394 is formed in one of the faces of the column having the elongatelateral slot. By extending flap 394 into the body of column 340 as shownin FIG. 12, a non-collapsing structure can be achieved (flap 394functions as a brace or compression strut with tab 496 operating toretain flap 394 in the desired position). Advantageously, the recesscreated by these actions provides a convenient location for the storageof incidentals of the user's choice.

FIGS. 11 and 12 also illustrate an additional handle embodiment. Asshown therein, handle 480 comprises extending sides 482 a-d, whichderive from sides 446 a and 446 c. Slits 486 decouple sides 482 fromsides 446 so that when sides 446 b and 446 d are compressed towards eachother (direction of arrows), sides 482 can extend as shown in beginningin FIG. 11 and ending in FIG. 12. A coating of a cohesive between themating portions of sides 482 or use of other means for fastening thesesides can be used to prevent subsequent separation thereof.

FIG. 14 is shown as an example of a true conical column that reliesexclusively on friction fit with tray 520, although any of theheretofore described means for linking the column to the tray can beused. To enhance the friction fit between this column 540 (a moldedcolumn) and tray 520, tray 520 has modified aperture 530, whichcomprises two orthogonal scores or perforations 532 a and 532 b. Thisfrangible aperture is then established upon the insertion of the columnthrough the aperture, whereupon flaps 534 a-d will upwardly extend,thereby forming a type of collar about the column. This collarbeneficially increases the surface contact area between the twostructures, which increases the coefficient of friction there between.In addition, the extension of flaps 534 a-d in an upward directionfurther increases the resistance of the column to “downward” movement.It should be noted that this interaction is valid for any form ofcolumn, including those previously described and those to be described.

The earlier discussion regarding the incorporation of secondary tray 90intimated that it could be used for a variety of functions. The implicitutility of the upper potion of the column will now be further described.FIGS. 15-17 disclose the use of beverage rings 610 with elongatevertical slots 648, which may be formed towards upper end 642 or lowerend 644 of column 640. Each ring 610 comprises inside surface 612,outside surface 614, and distal ends 616, which include hook portion618. At least inside surface 612 of each hook portion 618 will besecurely linked to each other either intrinsically such as through theuse of adhesives, cohesives, mechanical fasteners or the like, orextrinsically such as through the mutual insertion of hook portions 618into elongate vertical slot 648. Once so linked, a cylindrical orfrusto-cylindrical ring is formed, ready to accept a beverage container.

If slot 648 is located towards lower end 644 of column 640, then ring610 functions to stabilize a container disposed in a cup recess; this isparticularly advantageous when carrying large volume beverage containersthat have a small base but enlarged volume, thereby intrinsicallycreating an unstable container. If slot 648 is located towards upper end642 of column 640, then ring 610 functions to hold additional containersor similarly cylindrical objects, presuming that column 640 issufficiently sized to accept stacked containers.

Unintentional release of ring 610 from column 640 is accomplished by theinterference between hook end 619 and the inside surface of column 640at slot 648, as is best shown in FIG. 17. In this manner, one can easilyinsert ring 610 into slot 648, yet once inserted therein it will notcome out during normal carrying.

FIGS. 18-20 and 21-22 show two alternative “bail” embodiments of theinvention. In both of these embodiments, support for tray 20 resultsfrom the peripheral retention of the tray by the bail members as opposedto the central retention as in previous embodiments.

In the event that advertising on the column is desired, economies can beachieved though the use of sleeve 100, as is shown best in FIG. 23.Sleeve 100 need only be sufficiently sized to fit over any column inorder to function as intended. Thus, a sleeve having an internaldiameter greater than either a rectilinear or curvilinear column willfunction with both. Additionally, if the material selection for thecolumn yields a visually less than desirable result, sleeve 100 can beplaced over it to alter its outward appearance.

Heretofore, the disclosed columns, with the exception of that in FIG.14, have not been molded. Columns 740 and 840 in FIGS. 24-27 illustratetwo types of molded columns that are formed in a clamshell manner (seeFIG. 27 for an example). Both columns have bases contoured to closelyfit the contours of lower surface 24′ of tray 20′: lower end 744 forcolumn 740 and lower end 844 for column 840. Both columns also haveupper retainers for preventing unintentional release of the column fromthe tray: retainer 770 for column 740 and retainer 870 for column 840.In both embodiments, the retainer and tray aperture slightly deformduring insertion of the column, and recover their respective shapesafter clearance of the retainer from the upper surface of the tray.

Column 740 has a greater distance between lower end 744 and retainer 770than column 840 for reasons that will now be described. As best shown inFIGS. 25 and 26, tray 20′ includes upper collar 36. Similar in functionto flaps 534 a-d in FIG. 14, collar 36 increases the amount of coactingsurface area between the column and the tray. In addition, and unlikeflaps 534 a-d, collar 36 functions to reduce torque effects between atray and a column because of its structural nature (note theincorporation of struts 37). As best shown in FIG. 26, contouredportions 25 of tray 20′ closely match contoured portions 745 of column740 from lower surface 24 to the upper periphery of collar 36. Thepresence of retainer 748 at this upper surface facilitates a slightcompression between the column and the tray, further adding to stabilityof the assembly. A similar effect is found with respect to the use ofcolumn 848, however, torque transmission is reduced in view of the lackof a collar.

1. A column for use with a primary tray having an upper surface and alower surface that define an aperture, the column comprising: an upperend and a lower end separated by a body portion, which together definesa longitudinal axis; and lower supporting means for engaging andsupporting the primary tray when positioned at or proximate to the lowerend of the column.
 2. The column of claim 1 wherein the lower supportingmeans comprises an enlarged portion having a cross section greater thanthe maximum cross section of the aperture whereby the enlarged portionis incapable of passing through the aperture when the column is insertedtherein.
 3. The column of claim 2 wherein the enlarged portion has aprimary tray lower surface contacting portion that generally conforms tocontours of the lower surface in the area of contact.
 4. The column ofclaim 2 wherein the enlarged portion is the lower end of the column andthe column is characterized as tapered.
 5. The column of claim 4 whereinthe column is an n-sided polygon in cross section.
 6. The column ofclaim 2 further comprising grasping means at or proximate to the upperend to facilitate a user grasping the column.
 7. The column of claim 6wherein the grasping means is one of a hole laterally extending from oneside of the column to the other, a laterally oriented handle extendingbi-directionally from a pair of slots formed in the column, or anintegral laterally oriented handle extending bi-directionally from thecolumn.
 8. The column of claim 2 wherein the column results from amolding process.
 9. The column of claim 2 wherein the column is moldedin a clamshell configuration.
 10. The column of claim 1 wherein thecolumn is constructed from cellulose.
 11. The column of claim 1 whereina plurality of planar segments from a single sheet of planar materialare manipulated to form an n-sided tapered column.
 12. The column ofclaim 1 wherein the lower supporting means comprise a plurality ofoutwardly extendible flaps.
 13. The column of claim 1 wherein the lowersupporting means comprise a plurality of laterally extending slots forreceiving perimeter portions of the aperture.
 14. The column of claim 13wherein the number of slots is equal to the number of sides defining theaperture of the primary tray.
 15. The column of claim 13 wherein thenumber of slots is one half the number of sides defining the aperture ofthe primary tray.
 16. The column of claim 15 wherein the column isinwardly collapsible in at least one direction.
 17. The column of claim16 further comprising an inwardly extendible bracing flap for expandingthe column after collapse.
 18. The column of claim 1 further comprisingat least one slot defined by the column and located at one of the bodyportion or the upper portion for receiving a beverage retaining ring.19. The column of claim 18 wherein the at least one slot is verticallyoriented and the beverage retaining ring further comprises a hookportion for engaging an interior wall of the column after insertion intothe at least one vertically oriented slot.
 20. The column of claim 1further comprising a sleeve for coaxial placement over the column,thereby altering its outward appearance.
 21. The column of claim 1further comprising upper retaining means located adjacent to the lowersupporting means for preventing axial movement of the column in theprimary tray aperture in one direction after functional insertion of thecolumn in the aperture by contacting the upper surface of the primarytray.
 22. The column of claim 21 wherein the upper retaining meanscomprise a radially extending element having a width greater than thatof the aperture.
 23. The column of claim 21 wherein the upper retainingmeans comprise a plurality of extendible flaps.
 24. The column of claim1 further comprising a secondary tray for positioning above the primarytray.
 25. The column of claim 1 further comprising the primary tray. 26.A primary tray configured for carrying food items comprising: a firstsurface for receiving one or more items to be carried, a second surfaceopposed to the first surface, and a perimeter bounding the first andsecond surfaces wherein the first and second surface define a centralaperture having a periphery and sized to receive a column.
 27. Theprimary tray of claim 26 wherein the cellulose is a principle componentof its constitution.
 28. The primary tray of claim 26 wherein a crosssectional profile of the aperture is one of a closed curve or an n-sidedpolygon.
 29. The primary tray of claim 26 further comprising a collarlocated at the aperture on the first surface.
 30. The primary tray ofclaim 29 wherein the collar generally retains the geometry of theaperture.